December
And with that, the 2024 season comes to an end
Month in Pictures
Teaching Toolkit
Each month we focus on a theme from the Snapdragons curriculum, the teaching toolkit. Our curriculum covers ten themes of learning. This months focus was ‘be creative’.
Babies have been experimental and expressive as they paint on a large scale
Toddlers have made their own choices, exploring their interests using a range of simple techniques in painting, collage, clay and construction
Pre-school have experimented with new methods, making images and models using a range of different materials and techniques
Chef’s Corner
In the spirit of Christmas, here is a super simple recipe for some tasty mince pies.
Ingredients:
225g cold butter
350g plain flour
100g golden caster sugar
280g mince meat
1 small egg (beaten)
icing sugar to dust
Method:
To make the pastry, rub the butter into the flour, then mix in the golden caster sugar and a pinch of salt.
Combine the pastry into a ball – don’t add liquid – and knead it briefly. The dough will be fairly firm, like shortbread dough. You can use the dough immediately, or chill for later.
Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Line 18 holes of two 12-hole patty tins, by pressing small walnut-sized balls of pastry into each hole.
Spoon the mincemeat into the pies. Take slightly smaller balls of pastry than before and pat them out between your hands to make round lids, big enough to cover the pies.
Top the pies with their lids, pressing the edges gently together to seal – you don’t need to seal them with milk or egg as they will stick on their own.
Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg. Bake for 20 mins until golden. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 mins, then remove to a wire rack. To serve, lightly dust with the icing sugar.
Christmas Cracker
Q: What do fish sing at Christmas?
A: Christmas corals
Dates for you Diary
Christmas closures - Wednesday, December 25th. Reopening Thursday, January 2nd
Snappy Shoutouts
Happiest of birthdays to Anya (parrots), Ellie (babies), Joanna (polar bears), and Marc (polar bears)
Enormous congratulations to Olivia (pandas) on successfully completing her Level 3 Childcare qualification
A sad snappy goodbye to Joanna (polar bears) and Alisha (babies) who we are wishing all the luck in the world as they face their next big adventure
Nominate your Superstar
We love to hear from our families across Snapdragons about excellent service they have received. If someone at the nursery has impressed you, please fill in their details below and submit to the nursery. We run a rewards scheme for our teams and they can earn gifts by receiving nominations!
